Dangerous Masquerade (Regency Masquerade)

A short while later, hearing a familiar laugh, she peered out into the hall to see Luc and Devon in conversation. She could not hear what they were discussing, but whatever Luc said made the marquess grin widely, ask a question, shake his head, and then laugh once more. He clapped his friend on the shoulder and walked away, still chuckling.

Ria looked at Luc over the repast spread out on the table. “Was that Lord Lyons I saw leaving before?”

“Yes, he came to tell me his business will take longer than he expected. Another hour, at least. Would you like some more pigeon pie?”

“No, thank you.” Instead she helped herself to cold slices of roast beef and a piece of cheese as Luc asked her, “Was your wheel replaced recently?”

“Not that I am aware of, but I will check with Matthews. Why?”

“The linchpin was loose, so I assume the wheel was recently replaced and the pin was not fitted properly. Whoever did it was negligent.” When she said nothing, he continued, “I’m surprised your coachman didn’t notice. It’s the sort of thing that should be regularly checked. Any coachman who doesn’t should be dismissed.”

Ria’s sense of disquiet grew. Matthews was very diligent. Surely something so important would not have escaped his vigilance.

Spreading a slice of bread with creamy butter, she asked, “Is it possible it only just became loose?”

He shook his head. “It’s unlikely. Not that loose.”

As she took a bite of the crusty bread, she considered what he’d said. She was almost certain no wheels had recently been replaced and doubted Matthews had been negligent. She swallowed hard, the bread suddenly dry in her mouth. If she was right, then someone had deliberately loosened the pin—presumably in an attempt to harm her. But why?

She put down the remainder of the bread and stared at the food in front of her, her appetite gone. She looked up as Luc spoke. “Have you finished your tea? Would you like something more to drink?” He was holding up a decanter and looking at her inquiringly.

Licking her dry lips, Ria nodded. She needed something to wash down the bread. Taking the glass he offered, she took a large gulp of the bitter-sweet liquid.

She could think of only one person who would wish her harm. He knew where she left her carriage when she was in the village, and she had seen him just moments before she got into the vehicle. Surely Geoffrey wouldn’t… Ria was unable to complete her thought.

However, this led her back to wondering how well Luc and Geoffrey knew each other. “I saw you earlier with Mr. Danielson. Are you friends?”

“He was your husband’s nephew, was he not?” When she nodded, he said, “We are acquaintances since we move in similar circles but do not know each other well.”

The tightness in her shoulders relaxed slightly but then tensed again as she thought about the linchpin. If Geoffrey had tampered with it, who knew what he might try next?

An image of the pistols in the shop window came to her, and she said, “I understand gentlemen in your circle like to visit Manton’s shooting gallery in London to practice their marksmanship.”

“Yes. I’m a member of Manton’s, also Jackson’s boxing saloon. It’s a great way to maintain one’s skills.”

Ria took a deep breath and then, before she had time to consider her words or lose her nerve, hesitantly asked, “Will you teach me to shoot?”

He disconcerted her by answering with no hesitation, “Of course. What about tomorrow? Shall we say eleven?”

Already wondering what she had done, and why, she took another sip of her lemonade. “Eleven of the clock tomorrow. Thank you.”

Matthews once again apologized profusely as he handed Ria into the carriage and added, “I thought I checked this morning before we left. I must have been mistaken. You can be sure, madam, that never again will such a thing happen.”

Getting into the carriage, she smoothed her skirts as she sat down. Deep in thought, she said little. So it wasn’t because the wheel had been replaced or Matthews had been negligent. She wished it were the case.

It was Matthews, rather than the groom, who laid the rug across her lap and ensured the hot brick was beneath her feet, showing through his actions, by the extra care he took, how sorry he was. Just as he went to close the door, Ria looked up. “Matthews.”

The coachman looked at her, his expression forlorn. Judging from his rigid posture, she was sure he thought he was to be dismissed.

“Did you see Mr. Danielson at the inn this morning?”

Blinking in surprise, Matthews responded, “Yes, madam, he was here. Asked me when we were leaving.” The coachman looked puzzled.

Although part of her had already known what his response would be, the answer still, strangely, surprised her. “I believe you when you say it will never happen again. After this, I have faith that you will check very carefully every piece of equipment on any carriage I ride in or any horse I ride on, and once checked you will not let the equipment out of your sight until I have used it.”

Matthews frowned slightly, but before he could ask any questions, Ria continued. “Am I right?”

Her coachman nodded gravely. Although he said nothing she was certain from the sudden fierce look of determination on his face that he had got her message.